MORE BITE TO GROW-OP LAWS

The Ontario government says new powers are in place to help
authorities fight marijuana grow operations.

Local hydro companies can now cut off power to a house for the sake of
safety. The maximum penalties have also been doubled for fire hazards
caused by poor wiring which is a common feature of grow-ops.

Sargent Jim Graham with the Tri-Force Drug Unit says grow-ops are not
on the increase in the region but remain a problem. Houses used for
growing drug crops are often compromised by excessive humidity which
causes mold, and unreliable wiring because of tampering.

The law which first went into effect late last year, also allows the
government to seize the proceeds from grow operations for crime
prevention and victim compensation.

Community Safety Minister Monte Kwinter explained Thursday that new
provisions of an existing law went into effect this month to help
protect against the perils of these illegal operations.

Grow-ops typically use large amounts of electricity which sometimes
tips off authorities to their location.